No matter how old you are, whether six or 86, you may look back and ask yourself, “Is this where I am supposed to be? Am I in my best shape? Am I performing technical movements the way I want? Should I do something different?”
We continually speak to students, parents and instructors of the martial arts who have similar questions; and, after years of martial arts training, we’ve concluded that you are where you are at this moment because that is where you are supposed to be. You may ask if this is a Zen riddle. The answer is that it may be, if you chose it to be, or the answer may be clear. At this point in your training and your life, you couldn’t be anywhere else than the here and now. Simply put, if you weren’t, then you wouldn’t be here, would you. The future is just a theory, a wish and thought, but it never comes: the only thing is the here and now.
With that said, what can you do in the here and now to make your life better, so when tomorrow becomes today you will have a clearer understanding of how to lead your life? Life is a series of tests. Some call these tests struggles; personally, I call them speed bumps; but the goal is to learn each and every day from your tests and be on top of your game because of them.
The decisions you make are all part of the master plan; but, even if you see life as a huge task list with goals, achievements and checks and balances, then you are only able to succeed, based on how prepared you are for the situation. Life is about leaving a legacy that others can follow, doing good deeds, putting smiles on people’s faces, and sharing with others the special things of which you are made. You are a great person and someone who will make a difference; the question is what difference will you make and how will you do it. Live life to the fullest and work hard each and every day to share yourself. NAPMA
